The '''White Zetsu Army''' consists of 100,000copies of [[WhiteZetsu]], which serve as [[Akatsuki]]'s main military strength during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 512, page 13</ref>

+

''White Zetsu'' are a mutated result of humanstethered to the [[Shinju]] via [[God: Nativity of a World of Trees]]. [[KaguyaŌtsutsuki]] attempted to raise an army of them, as later would [[Madara Uchiha]] and [[Obito Uchiha]], the latter of which utilised 100,000 White Zetsu as [[Akatsuki]]'s main military strength during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]].<ref name="ch512">Chapter 512, pages 13-15</ref>

−

+

== Background ==

== Background ==

−

[[File:Madara's lair.png|thumb|left|Thedeveloping White Zetsu.]]

+

The White Zetsu were originally humans that fell victim to [[Kaguya Ōtsutsuki]]'s [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]] and were [[God: Nativity of a World of Trees|assimilated]] into the [[Shinju]] long enough to morph into their current forms.<ref>Chapter 678, pages 8-9</ref> When Kaguya, having degraded into the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]], was [[Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei|sealed]]within the [[moon]], the White Zetsu inside the Demonic Statue were sealed as well.<ref name="ch681">Chapter 681, page 14</ref>

−

These creatures are artificial humans created by [[Madara Uchiha]] from [[Hashirama's living clone]], and the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]].<ref name="c602p13">''Naruto'' chapter 602, page 13</ref><ref name="c603p1">''Naruto'' chapter 603, page 1</ref> Because of this, their DNA is very similar to that of [[Hashirama Senju]]'s as noted from [[Shizune]], and [[Sakura Haruno]]'s autopsy results.<ref name="chpt545">''Naruto'' chapter 545, page 3</ref> Madara would later use this artificial genetic material to save the life of [[Obito Uchiha]], replacing the destroyed portion of his right side with it.<ref name="c602p13"/>

−

During Obito's time with the elderly Madara, [[White Zetsu]] and a [[Spiral Zetsu|spiral-patternedZetsu]]were assigned to take care of him during his rehabilitation. Later, when [[Rin]] and [[Kakashi]] were attacked by a group of [[Kirigakure]]-[[shinobi]], the spiral-patterned Zetsu allowed Obito to "''wear''" his body like armour so that he could leave the cave.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 603</ref> White Zetsu, who was only half formed, would be infused with a part of Madara's will that results in his transformation into the completed [[Zetsu]] who would serve under Obito as both joined the [[Akatsuki]] years later.

+

[[File:SZetsu.png|thumb|left|ThedevelopingWhite Zetsu.]]

+

Centuries later, [[Madara Uchiha]] awakened the [[Rinnegan]] and [[Summoning Technique|summoned]] the Demon Statue from the moon. In order to extend his life, Madara used the statue to cultivate [[Hashirama Senju]]'s DNA, creating a [[Hashirama's Artificial Body|flowering tree]], and connected himself to said tree to continuously receive the statue's [[chakra]]. Madara believed the White Zetsu that appeared on the tree were artificial humans made from Hashirama's DNA and the Demonic Statue's power, and that they had formed as an unintended result of his experiments. In actuality, [[Black Zetsu]] had simply released the White Zetsu stored within the statue without Madara realising.<ref name="ch681"/> Madara also believed that [[Yin–Yang Release]] was somehow involved in the creation of the White Zetsu.<ref name="ch606">Chapter 606, pages 13-16</ref>

−

Eventually,Obitocreatedmorehumanoidversions of WhiteZetsuusing the chakra of thefirstseven [[tailedbeasts]] hehadsealedwithintheDemonicStatue of the OuterPath. Theresultingcloneswerethenstoredin a pool of waterbeneath the rootofthelivingcloneflower.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter512,page12</ref>After [[KabutoYakushi]] captured [[Yamato]],heusedhisstudiesofHashirama'sDNAandYamatotoenhancethe army'sstrength.<ref>''Naruto''chapter515,page10</ref>

+

MadaralaterusedHashirama'sartificialbody to save the life of [[ObitoUchiha]]by rebuilding the destroyed right portion of hisbody,granting him a body similar to that of a White Zetsu.<ref>Chapter 602, page 13</ref> During Obito's rehabilitation, [[WhiteZetsu]] anda[[Tobi(Zetsu)|spiral-patternedZetsu]]wereassigned to take care of the youngUchiha. Later,when[[RinNohara]]and [[Kakashi Hatake]] wereattackedby a group of [[Kirigakure]][[shinobi]], the spiral-patternedZetsuallowedObitoto"''wear''"hisbodylikearmour so that he couldleave [[Mountains'Graveyard]].<ref>Chapter603</ref> White Zetsu, whose body wasn't fully formed, would later be [[Will Materialisation|infused]] withBlackZetsu,whoMadarabelievedtobeamanifestationofhiswill.<ref name="ch606"/> Thecomplete[[Zetsu]]later became a member of [[Akatsuki]] while continuing to serve directly under Obito.

+

+

By the time of the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], 100,000 White Zetsu had fully developed and were stored in a large pool of water beneath the roots of the flowering tree. According to Obito, these White Zetsu were created using a large amount of the chakra of the first seven [[tailed beasts]] Akatsuki had [[Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals|sealed]] within the Demonic Statue.<ref name="ch512"/> After [[Kabuto Yakushi]] captured [[Yamato]], he used his studies of Hashirama's DNA and Yamato to enhance the White Zetsu's strength.<ref>Chapter 515, page 10</ref>

== Personality ==

== Personality ==

−

Thesecloneshaveshown some level of intelligence, similar to other [[CloneTechniques|clones]].Although they wereseeminglyfightingmindlesslyagainstalliedshinobiduringthedaytime, the clonewhohadtransformedinto[[NejiHyūga]]usinghis[[SubstituteTechnique]],wasnoticeablyscaredby [[SakuraHaruno]] whenshethreatened to beathimandshowedshockwhenshededucedhowhistechniqueworkedaswellasthetactics of theZetsuarmy'snightassault.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 540, page 10</ref> They were also visibly shocked and angered when they realised that [[Sasuke Uchiha]] had killed [[White Zetsu]], whom they refer to as their original.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 574, page 9</ref> Intheanime,acloneencounteredby[[TeamKurenai]]displayed the carefreeandsomewhatgoofyattitudeof itsoriginal.<ref name="episode279">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 279</ref> The anime also depictedtheclonesashaving the memories of the original.<ref>''Naruto:Shippūden''episode280</ref>

+

TheWhiteZetsudemonstrate some degree of individuality and intelligence, with [[Tobi(Zetsu)|one]] claiming that they havevocabulariesandbrainsthatsurpassthoseofhumans.<ref>Chapter603, page 2</ref> Although the WhiteZetsuthatfoughtintheFourthShinobiWorldWarinitiallyseemedtofightmindlessly against the [[AlliedShinobi Forces]],theyhavebeen shown to possessasimilarlevelofintelligence.One,which[[SubstituteTechnique|transformed]]into[[NejiHyūga]]demonstratedbothshockand some degree of fearwhen[[SakuraHaruno]]threatened it and deduced how its abilities work,<ref>Chapter 540, page 10</ref> while others were visibly shocked and angered when they realised that [[Sasuke Uchiha]] had killed [[White Zetsu]], whom they refer to as their "''original''".<ref>Chapter 574, page 9</ref> ThoseWhiteZetsuhavebeenshowntohaveaccessto the originalWhiteZetsu'smemories,<ref>Chapter659,pages10-11</ref><ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 280</ref> and also appeartosharehispersonality.<ref>Chapter661,page5</ref>

Unlike the original White Zetsu, and the [[ParasiteClone|clones he produces]], which possess incomplete bodies, theyhavecompletefaces,aswellasproperlydefinedrightarms and legs. After [[Kabuto]] used [[Yamato]] (due to Yamato also possesing a degree of [[Hashirama Senju]]'s cells) to further enhance their abilities, the Zetsu clones gain small spikesthat protrudefrom their shoulders and back. TheseZetsu, however, lack the Venus flytrap-like extensions that the original had, and have what seems to be cracks all over their bodies. They also have a zig-zag pattern running from their diaphragmsdownto their groin, andalsodowneachlegreminiscentoftheoriginals'flytrap-likeextensions. Theseserrationsarelatershowntobeabletoopeninasimilarmanner.WhentheZetsuare first depicted in coloured manga illustrations, they appear not white, but light-green.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 520, page 2</ref> In later depictions they appear even more green in colour.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 531, page 2</ref>

+

Unlike the original White Zetsu and the [[parasiteclone]]s he produces, which possess incomplete bodies, theWhiteZetsuthatfoughtinthewarhavefullydeveloped faces and bodies. After Kabuto used Yamato to further enhance their abilities, the White Zetsu gained small,spikyprotrusionson their shoulders and back. Thoughthey lack the [[Wikipedia:Venus flytrap|Venusflytrap]]-like extensions of the original White Zetsu, they have zig-zag patterns running down their midsectionsandlegs, whichareabletoopeninasimilarmannerandrestraintargets. Intheanime,theWhiteZetsuareentirelywhite,savefortheirgreenhairandyelloweyes,whereas in the manga, their bodies appear light-green.<ref>Chapter 520, page 2</ref> Later, they appeared even more green in colour.<ref>Chapter 531, page 2</ref> Eventually, they appear as they do in the manga in the anime.<ref>Chapter 658, pages 16-17</ref>

Beingartificial humans, they do not need to carry out any normal human bodily functions. They also have no need for sleep nor other bodily functions such as breathing in the case of their underwater storage.<ref name="c603p1"/><ref>''Naruto''chapter 512, pages13-15</ref> Though they share many vital points as a normal human, they are incapable of bleeding in their natural forms.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 11</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 540, pages 8-9</ref> As such they are extremely durable, able to survive two of [[Sakura]]'s [[Chakra Enhanced Strength|chakra-enhanced punches]], as well as [[Neji Hyūga]]'s [[Gentle Fist Art One Blow Body]].

+

Nolonger humans, they do not need to carry out any normal human bodily functions. They also have no need for sleep nor other bodily functions such as breathing in the case of their underwater storage.<ref>Chapter603, page1</ref><ref name="ch512"/> Though they share many vital points as a normal human, they are incapable of bleeding in their natural forms.<ref>Chapter 521, page 11</ref><ref>Chapter 540, pages 8-9</ref> As such they are extremely durable, able to survive two of [[Sakura]]'s [[Chakra Enhanced Strength|chakra-enhanced punches]], as well as [[Neji Hyūga]]'s [[Gentle Fist Art One Blow Body]].

−

All Zetsu able to use the [[Mayfly]] technique to travel through surfaces for the purpose of spying without leaving a trace. They can open their bodies in a Venus flytrap-like manner to trap their opponent and [[Chakra Absorption Techniques|absorb their chakra]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 524, page 14</ref> This action is so the clone responsible uses the [[Substitute Technique]] to become an exact copy of that person in every detail, able to easily trick close friends and [[sensor]]s alike, in scenarios ideal for infiltration, covert assassination, and causing distrust among an enemy group. Due to their plant nature, members of the White Zetsu Army can[[WhiteZetsu Merging Technique|merge]] into a more plant-like monster for better resistance against Yang-natured chakra.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 545, page 14</ref> In the anime, it was shown that the White Zetsu clones can also extend the points of their flytrap-like openings and use them to impale enemies, as well as alter the form of their arms to attack.<ref name="episode279"/>

All Zetsu are able to use the [[Mayfly]] technique to travel through surfaces for the purpose of spying without leaving a trace. They can open their bodies in a Venus flytrap-like manner to trap their opponents and [[Chakra Absorption Techniques|absorb their chakra]].<ref>Chapter 524, page 14</ref> In the manga, they absorb chakra by simply establishing physical contact, whereas in the anime, they absorb chakra by sucking it in through their mouths.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 266</ref> This action is so the Zetsu responsible uses the [[Substitute Technique]] to become an exact copy of that person in every detail, able to easily trick close friends and [[sensor]]s alike, in scenarios ideal for infiltration, covert assassination, and causing distrust among an enemy group. Due to their plant nature, members of the White Zetsu Army can merge into a more plant-like monster for better resistance against Yang-natured chakra.<ref>Chapter 545, page 14</ref> In the anime, it was shown that the White Zetsu can also extend the points of their flytrap-like openings and use them to impale enemies, as well as alter the form of their arms to attack.<ref name="episode279" />

−

[[File:White zetsu turns back into a tree.png|thumb|A White Zetsu Army clone turning into a tree.]]

+

[[File:White zetsu turns back into a tree.png|thumb|left|A White Zetsu Army soldier turning into a tree.]]

−

Duetothefactthattheywerecreatedthroughcultivationof [[Hashirama Senju]]'scells, Sakura statesthattheWhiteZetsuArmycanalso use [[Wood Release]], albeit on a weaker scale.<ref name="chpt545"/> However, through exposureto [[Yamato]]'s chakra, the clones' strength increased to make them presumably more suited for combat with enhanced strength. But the one genetic flaw to the White Zetsu's design is that direct contact with a powerful concentration of [[Yang]]-naturedchakra causes them to turn into trees.

+

Becauseoftheirorigin,theirDNAisverysimilartoHashirama's, as revealed by [[Shizune]] and[[Sakura Haruno]]'sautopsyresults,andtheyareableto use [[Wood Release]], albeit on a weaker scale.<ref>Chapter545, page 3</ref> However, through Kabuto'sexperimentation on [[Yamato]], their strength increased to make them presumably more suited for combat with enhanced power. One genetic flaw to the White Zetsu's design is that direct contact with powerful life force, such as that of Naruto in [[Nine-Tails Chakra Mode]] or Hashirama himself, causes them to turn into trees.

+

+

[[File:Red Assimilate All Creation.png|thumb|Zetsu's using Assimilate All Creation Technique .]]

+

In the anime, the White Zetsu Army showed their capability to [[Assimilate All Creation Technique|take on the properties]] of any nearby material. When located on the battle on the [[Seventh Front]], they took on the characteristics of a special, poisonous, red soil, and were able to use it to their advantage; such as [[Assimilation: Red Poisonous Smokescreen|expelling large quantities of red, poisonous smoke]]. However, the adverse effects of this was that they also gained the soil's high conductibility to [[lightning]]-type attacks.<ref name="ship320">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 320</ref>

{{-}}

{{-}}

== Part II ==

== Part II ==

−

=== ConfiningtheJinchūrikiArc ===

+

=== FourthShinobiWorldWar: Countdown ===

−

After creating an alliance with Kabuto, Tobi leads him underground and shows Kabuto his army of 100,000 White Zetsu clones in an underwater cavern beneath the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

+

After creating an alliance with Kabuto, Tobi leads him underground and shows Kabuto his army of 100,000 White Zetsu in an underwater cavern beneath the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

−

=== Shinobi World War Arc ===

+

=== Fourth Shinobi World War:Confrontation ===

−

Once Tobi finished his preparations for the Fourth Shinobi World War, he had the Zetsu army mobilise to fight the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]]' 80,000-person strong army. Because of the size of their forces, Tobi has the Zetsu travel below ground, to be led from above by himself to hide their numbers. This was discovered by [[Muta Aburame]] and is reported to the various commanders. The [[Second Division]], led by [[Kitsuchi]], as well as elements from the [[Fifth Division]], unearth and attack a detachment of 20,000 White Zetsu Army clones travelling directly underneath them. While fighting the Allied Shinobi forces, they began to overwhelm them, allowing several thousand White Zetsu to pass through underground.

+

Once Tobi finished his preparations for the Fourth Shinobi World War, he had the Zetsu army mobilise to fight the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]]' 80,000-person strong army. Because of the size of their forces, Tobi had the Zetsu travel below ground, to be led from above by himself to hide their numbers. This was discovered by [[Muta Aburame]] and is reported to the various commanders. The [[Second Division]], led by [[Kitsuchi]], as well as elements from the [[Fifth Division]], unearth and attack a detachment of 20,000 White Zetsu Army soldiers travelling directly underneath them. While fighting the Allied Shinobi forces, they began to overwhelm them, allowing several thousand White Zetsu to pass through underground.

−

Then, off the coast of the [[Land of Lightning]], several thousand White Zetsu Army clones appeared along with [[Kakuzu]], [[Hizashi Hyūga]], [[Asuma Sarutobi]], [[Dan]], [[Kinkaku]] and [[Ginkaku]] to attack [[Darui]]'s [[First Division]], forcing the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] to change their strategy to meet this threat. By the end of first day of battles, the army had already lost 50,000 out of its 100,000 Zetsu,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 537, page 16</ref> leaving Tobi's army at half strength.

+

Then, off the coast of the [[Land of Lightning]], several thousand White Zetsu Army soldiers appeared along with [[Kakuzu]], [[Hizashi Hyūga]], [[Asuma Sarutobi]], [[Dan]], [[Kinkaku]] and [[Ginkaku]] to attack [[Darui]]'s [[First Division]], forcing the [[Allied Shinobi Forces]] to change their strategy to meet this threat. By the end of first day of battles, the army had already lost 50,000 out of its 100,000 Zetsu,<ref>Chapter 537, page 16</ref> leaving Tobi's army at half strength.

During the night, the White Zetsu used the [[Substitute Technique]] to sneak behind enemy lines disguised as allied shinobi in order to kill various members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and cause conflict among the opposition. However, assuming the identity of [[Neji Hyūga]] to go after medical ninja, one of the clones was found out and stopped by [[Sakura Haruno]]. Soon after, along with Sakura and her group learning their enemy's true nature as hybrid clones of Hashirama, the White Zetsu clones' technique was deduced and reported to HQ.

+

During the night, the White Zetsu used the [[Substitute Technique]] to sneak behind enemy lines disguised as allied shinobi in order to kill various members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and cause conflict among the opposition. However, assuming the identity of [[Neji Hyūga]] to go after medical ninja, one of the Zetsu was found out and stopped by [[Sakura Haruno]]. Soon after, along with Sakura and her group believing their enemy's true nature as hybrid clones of Hashirama, the White Zetsu's technique was deduced and reported to HQ.

In the anime, [[Team8]] was sent to investigate a suspected breach of the Allied Shinobi Forces perimeter and encounters a cave filled with White Zetsu. Engaging them, [[Hinata]] sends out a messenger owl to the Sealing Team and she alongside, [[Shino]],[[Kiba]],and[[Akamaru]],holdofftheopposition until the team can arrive and seal the cave. As Team 8 fall back with the creatures in pursuit, one of the White Zetsu accidentally triggered a explosion in the process. After the explosion, Team 8 regroups and find one of the two shinobi from the Sealing Team dead, the ninja revealed to have been murdered by a surviving White Zetsu that had infiltrated Team 8 in midst the chaos. This cases mutual mistrust among Team 8 until they use a game of [[Wikipedia:Rock-paper-scissors|rock-paper-scissors]] to weed out the shape-shifter by having the loser reveal personal information when asked. Though Kiba mistook Shino as the impostor, the plan exposes the White Zetsu fraud, who was impersonating Hinata who was unconscious at the time, before her team mates kill him.<ref name="episode279">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 279</ref>

−

In the anime, [[Team 8]] was sent to investigate a suspected breach of the Allied Shinobi Forces perimeter and encounters a cave filled with White Zetsu clones. Engaging them, [[Hinata]] sends out a messenger owl to the Sealing Team and she alongside, [[Shino]], [[Kiba]], and [[Akamaru]], hold off the opposition until the team can arrive and seal the cave. As Team 8 fall back with the creatures in pursuit, one of the White Zetsu accidentally triggered a explosion in the process. After the explosion, Team 8 regroups and find one of the two shinobi from the Sealing Team dead, the ninja revealed to have been murdered by a surviving White Zetsu that had infiltrated Team 8 in midst the chaos. This cases mutual mistrust among Team 8 until they use a game of [[Wikipedia:Rock-paper-scissors|rock-paper-scissors]] to weed out the shape-shifter by having the loser reveal personal information when asked. Though Kiba mistook Shino as the impostor, the plan exposes the White Zetsu clone, who was impersonating Hinata who was unconscious at the time, before her team mates kill him.<ref name="episode279"/>

While Naruto and [[Killer B]] confronted several of the White Zetsu Army clones at another area, due to his [[Yang]] chakra and the creatures' relation to the First Hokage, Naruto's attacks while in [[Nine-Tails Chakra Mode]] resonated with the White Zetsu Army clones and instantly turned those he made a direct hit on into trees.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 545, page 13</ref> Even after some of the surviving White Zetsus merged to become more resilient to the youth's attack, Naruto merely [[Mini-Rasenshuriken|cut]] the fused monster in two and [[Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique|crushed]] it beneath [[Gamahiro]]. Naruto eventually sent his [[Multiple Shadow Clone Technique|clones]] out to the different battlefields and, using his ability to [[Negative Emotions Sensing|sense negative emotions]], was able to locate the remainder of the disguised White Zetsu Army clones.

+

While [[Naruto Uzumaki|Naruto]] and [[Killer B]] confronted several of the White Zetsu Army soldiers at another area, due to his [[Yang]] chakra and the creatures' relation to the First Hokage, Naruto's attacks while in [[Nine-Tails Chakra Mode]] resonated with the White Zetsu Army soldiers and instantly turned those he made a direct hit on into trees.<ref>Chapter 545, page 13</ref> Even after some of the surviving White Zetsus merged to become more resilient to the youth's attack, Naruto merely [[Mini-Rasenshuriken|cut]] the fused monster in two and [[Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique|crushed]] it beneath [[Gamahiro]]. Naruto eventually sent his [[Multiple Shadow Clone Technique|clones]] out to the different battlefields and, using his ability to [[Negative Emotions Sensing|sense negative emotions]], was able to locate the remainder of the disguised White Zetsu Army soldiers and neutralise them.

Later, in the anime, Omoi goes to the [[SeventhFront]],wheretwo thousand White Zetsu killed the Amphibious Search and Destroy Unit, and were after the [[Thundercloud Unit]]; a supply squad formed by notable children from [[Kumogakure]]. The Seventh Front was surrounded by a special red soil, which the White Zetsu wereableto[[Assimilate All Creation Technique|take on the properties of]], causing them to gain a red tone and expel a [[Assimilation: Red Poisonous Smokescreen|red, poisonous smokescreen]] from their mouths and bodies. After saving the children, [[Omoi]], with Thundercloud Unit's assistance, was able to dispel the smokescreen from the area with the [[Lightning Release Co-Operation: Thunder Bomb]] as well as defeat the remaining White Zetsu.<ref name="ship320" />

−

After the second day of war, thanks to the addition of Naruto's efforts and his [[Negative Emotions Sensing|new-found ability]], the majority of the White Zetsu clones were eradicated. However, small factions survived and were ordered to seize B and Naruto before their comrades could reach their location. When Sasuke escaped the [[Mountains' Graveyard]], he encountered one of these factions, who demanded to know why he left the hideout. Upon coming to the realisation that he had killed the original White Zetsu, they attacked him. Choosing this time to test his [[Susanoo|new powers]] further, he slaughters most of the Zetsu and keeps one alive long enough to [[Genjutsu: Sharingan|get information]] relating to the war.

After the second day of war, thanks to the addition of Naruto's efforts and his [[Negative Emotions Sensing|new-found ability]], the majority of the White Zetsu were eradicated. However, small factions survived and were ordered to seize B and Naruto before their comrades could reach their location. When Sasuke escaped the [[Mountains' Graveyard]], he encountered one of these factions, who demanded to know why he left the hideout. Upon coming to the realisation that he had killed the original White Zetsu, they attacked him. Choosing this time to test his [[Susanoo|new powers]] further, he slaughters most of the Zetsu and keeps one alive long enough to [[Genjutsu: Sharingan|acquire information]] relating to the war.

+

{{-L}}

+

+

=== Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki ===

+

As Madara faced off against the [[tailed beasts]], one of the clones managed to recover the right [[Rinnegan]] from where Obito had hidden it. He gives the eye to Madara who also severed his right arm to replace his own.<ref>Chapter 658, pages 16-17</ref> After Madara succeeds in subduing the tailed beasts and prepares to remove the [[Gyūki|Eight]] and [[Kurama|Nine-Tails]] from their respective [[jinchūriki]], he suggests that Madara instead start with the [[Shukaku|One-Tail]] for better efficiency, to which Madara agrees on. He subsequently questioned why Gaara had been fighting to help Shukaku, despite the fact that he was no longer his jinchūriki.

+

+

Then he teases Madara about the time the latter needed to seal the tailed beasts, to which Madara responds the rejects of the failed experiment shouldn't be too loud. Zetsu clone answers that there is nothing to wonder about, because original White Zetsu was known as {{translation|Chatterbox|饒舌|Jōzetsu}}. Madara then asked him about another battle and ordered him to move there. The Zetsu army clone then approached [[Tobi (Zetsu)|Tobi]] on top of the [[Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands|giant wood statue]] to discuss [[Naruto Uzumaki]]'s inevitable death.<ref>Chapter 662, page 16</ref>

Centuries later, Madara Uchiha awakened the Rinnegan and summoned the Demon Statue from the moon. In order to extend his life, Madara used the statue to cultivate Hashirama Senju's DNA, creating a flowering tree, and connected himself to said tree to continuously receive the statue's chakra. Madara believed the White Zetsu that appeared on the tree were artificial humans made from Hashirama's DNA and the Demonic Statue's power, and that they had formed as an unintended result of his experiments. In actuality, Black Zetsu had simply released the White Zetsu stored within the statue without Madara realising.[3] Madara also believed that Yin–Yang Release was somehow involved in the creation of the White Zetsu.[4]

Madara later used Hashirama's artificial body to save the life of Obito Uchiha by rebuilding the destroyed right portion of his body, granting him a body similar to that of a White Zetsu.[5] During Obito's rehabilitation, White Zetsu and a spiral-patterned Zetsu were assigned to take care of the young Uchiha. Later, when Rin Nohara and Kakashi Hatake were attacked by a group of Kirigakureshinobi, the spiral-patterned Zetsu allowed Obito to "wear" his body like armour so that he could leave Mountains' Graveyard.[6] White Zetsu, whose body wasn't fully formed, would later be infused with Black Zetsu, who Madara believed to be a manifestation of his will.[4] The complete Zetsu later became a member of Akatsuki while continuing to serve directly under Obito.

By the time of the Fourth Shinobi World War, 100,000 White Zetsu had fully developed and were stored in a large pool of water beneath the roots of the flowering tree. According to Obito, these White Zetsu were created using a large amount of the chakra of the first seven tailed beasts Akatsuki had sealed within the Demonic Statue.[1] After Kabuto Yakushi captured Yamato, he used his studies of Hashirama's DNA and Yamato to enhance the White Zetsu's strength.[7]

The White Zetsu demonstrate some degree of individuality and intelligence, with one claiming that they have vocabularies and brains that surpass those of humans.[8] Although the White Zetsu that fought in the Fourth Shinobi World War initially seemed to fight mindlessly against the Allied Shinobi Forces, they have been shown to possess a similar level of intelligence. One, which transformed into Neji Hyūga demonstrated both shock and some degree of fear when Sakura Haruno threatened it and deduced how its abilities work,[9] while others were visibly shocked and angered when they realised that Sasuke Uchiha had killed White Zetsu, whom they refer to as their "original".[10] Those White Zetsu have been shown to have access to the original White Zetsu's memories,[11][12] and also appear to share his personality.[13]

Unlike the original White Zetsu and the parasite clones he produces, which possess incomplete bodies, the White Zetsu that fought in the war have fully developed faces and bodies. After Kabuto used Yamato to further enhance their abilities, the White Zetsu gained small, spiky protrusions on their shoulders and back. Though they lack the Venus flytrap-like extensions of the original White Zetsu, they have zig-zag patterns running down their midsections and legs, which are able to open in a similar manner and restrain targets. In the anime, the White Zetsu are entirely white, save for their green hair and yellow eyes, whereas in the manga, their bodies appear light-green.[14] Later, they appeared even more green in colour.[15] Eventually, they appear as they do in the manga in the anime.[16]

A White Zetsu Army soldier captures Neji with its Venus flytrap extensions.

No longer humans, they do not need to carry out any normal human bodily functions. They also have no need for sleep nor other bodily functions such as breathing in the case of their underwater storage.[17][1] Though they share many vital points as a normal human, they are incapable of bleeding in their natural forms.[18][19] As such they are extremely durable, able to survive two of Sakura's chakra-enhanced punches, as well as Neji Hyūga's Gentle Fist Art One Blow Body.

Several White Zetsu Army soldiers merged together.

All Zetsu are able to use the Mayfly technique to travel through surfaces for the purpose of spying without leaving a trace. They can open their bodies in a Venus flytrap-like manner to trap their opponents and absorb their chakra.[20] In the manga, they absorb chakra by simply establishing physical contact, whereas in the anime, they absorb chakra by sucking it in through their mouths.[21] This action is so the Zetsu responsible uses the Substitute Technique to become an exact copy of that person in every detail, able to easily trick close friends and sensors alike, in scenarios ideal for infiltration, covert assassination, and causing distrust among an enemy group. Due to their plant nature, members of the White Zetsu Army can merge into a more plant-like monster for better resistance against Yang-natured chakra.[22] In the anime, it was shown that the White Zetsu can also extend the points of their flytrap-like openings and use them to impale enemies, as well as alter the form of their arms to attack.[23]

A White Zetsu Army soldier turning into a tree.

Because of their origin, their DNA is very similar to Hashirama's, as revealed by Shizune and Sakura Haruno's autopsy results, and they are able to use Wood Release, albeit on a weaker scale.[24] However, through Kabuto's experimentation on Yamato, their strength increased to make them presumably more suited for combat with enhanced power. One genetic flaw to the White Zetsu's design is that direct contact with powerful life force, such as that of Naruto in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode or Hashirama himself, causes them to turn into trees.

Once Tobi finished his preparations for the Fourth Shinobi World War, he had the Zetsu army mobilise to fight the Allied Shinobi Forces' 80,000-person strong army. Because of the size of their forces, Tobi had the Zetsu travel below ground, to be led from above by himself to hide their numbers. This was discovered by Muta Aburame and is reported to the various commanders. The Second Division, led by Kitsuchi, as well as elements from the Fifth Division, unearth and attack a detachment of 20,000 White Zetsu Army soldiers travelling directly underneath them. While fighting the Allied Shinobi forces, they began to overwhelm them, allowing several thousand White Zetsu to pass through underground.

During the night, the White Zetsu used the Substitute Technique to sneak behind enemy lines disguised as allied shinobi in order to kill various members of the Allied Shinobi Forces and cause conflict among the opposition. However, assuming the identity of Neji Hyūga to go after medical ninja, one of the Zetsu was found out and stopped by Sakura Haruno. Soon after, along with Sakura and her group believing their enemy's true nature as hybrid clones of Hashirama, the White Zetsu's technique was deduced and reported to HQ.

In the anime, Team 8 was sent to investigate a suspected breach of the Allied Shinobi Forces perimeter and encounters a cave filled with White Zetsu. Engaging them, Hinata sends out a messenger owl to the Sealing Team and she alongside, Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru, hold off the opposition until the team can arrive and seal the cave. As Team 8 fall back with the creatures in pursuit, one of the White Zetsu accidentally triggered a explosion in the process. After the explosion, Team 8 regroups and find one of the two shinobi from the Sealing Team dead, the ninja revealed to have been murdered by a surviving White Zetsu that had infiltrated Team 8 in midst the chaos. This cases mutual mistrust among Team 8 until they use a game of rock-paper-scissors to weed out the shape-shifter by having the loser reveal personal information when asked. Though Kiba mistook Shino as the impostor, the plan exposes the White Zetsu fraud, who was impersonating Hinata who was unconscious at the time, before her team mates kill him.[23]

Zetsu clones attempting to capture Naruto Uzumaki.

While Naruto and Killer B confronted several of the White Zetsu Army soldiers at another area, due to his Yang chakra and the creatures' relation to the First Hokage, Naruto's attacks while in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode resonated with the White Zetsu Army soldiers and instantly turned those he made a direct hit on into trees.[27] Even after some of the surviving White Zetsus merged to become more resilient to the youth's attack, Naruto merely cut the fused monster in two and crushed it beneath Gamahiro. Naruto eventually sent his clones out to the different battlefields and, using his ability to sense negative emotions, was able to locate the remainder of the disguised White Zetsu Army soldiers and neutralise them.

After the second day of war, thanks to the addition of Naruto's efforts and his new-found ability, the majority of the White Zetsu were eradicated. However, small factions survived and were ordered to seize B and Naruto before their comrades could reach their location. When Sasuke escaped the Mountains' Graveyard, he encountered one of these factions, who demanded to know why he left the hideout. Upon coming to the realisation that he had killed the original White Zetsu, they attacked him. Choosing this time to test his new powers further, he slaughters most of the Zetsu and keeps one alive long enough to acquire information relating to the war.

As Madara faced off against the tailed beasts, one of the clones managed to recover the right Rinnegan from where Obito had hidden it. He gives the eye to Madara who also severed his right arm to replace his own.[28] After Madara succeeds in subduing the tailed beasts and prepares to remove the Eight and Nine-Tails from their respective jinchūriki, he suggests that Madara instead start with the One-Tail for better efficiency, to which Madara agrees on. He subsequently questioned why Gaara had been fighting to help Shukaku, despite the fact that he was no longer his jinchūriki.

Then he teases Madara about the time the latter needed to seal the tailed beasts, to which Madara responds the rejects of the failed experiment shouldn't be too loud. Zetsu clone answers that there is nothing to wonder about, because original White Zetsu was known as Chatterbox (饒舌, Jōzetsu). Madara then asked him about another battle and ordered him to move there. The Zetsu army clone then approached Tobi on top of the giant wood statue to discuss Naruto Uzumaki's inevitable death.[29]